Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, juicy poultry with minimal effort. This recipe delivers flavorful, perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy skin every time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine white pepper, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
- Step 2: Coat one side of each chicken thigh with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mix evenly onto the oiled side.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs over and coat the other side with the remaining olive oil. Rub the seasoning mix onto this side as well.
- Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 6: Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is down and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 7: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken skin dry before applying oil and seasoning.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Use boneless thighs if you prefer a faster cooking time—adjust cooking time to about 12-14 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness, or warm in the oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and to ensure the skin crisps properly. If using frozen, thaw fully before seasoning and cooking.
What if my air fryer is smaller—can I cook fewer pieces at a time?
Yes, cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the skin from crisping evenly.
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Thighs seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, onion powder, and pepper, cooked to juicy perfection in just under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal with a crisp skin and tender meat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-19 minutes
- Total Time: 23-24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Other
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken thighs for a crispy finish.
- Prepare seasonings: In a bowl, combine white pepper, kosher salt, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper to create a balanced seasoning blend.
- Season chicken first side: Coat one side of each chicken thigh with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly across that side to enhance flavor.
- Season chicken second side: Flip the chicken thighs, coat the other side with the remaining olive oil, and rub the seasoning on this side as well for full flavor coverage.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Cook chicken skin side up: Place the chicken thighs skin side up into the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes to start crisping the skin.
- Flip and finish cooking: Flip the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve immediately: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry before applying olive oil and seasoning for extra crispy skin.
- You can substitute kosher salt with sea salt if preferred.
- Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before serving to let juices redistribute.
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Crispy Chicken Thighs, Easy Air Fryer Recipes, Quick Chicken Dinner
